Hyatt, American Airlines Announce Crossover Earnings for Elite Members

American Airlines and Hyatt have announced a new partnership that will include reciprocal benefits for elite members of each other’s loyalty programs.

The newly formed union is similar to the Crossover Rewards previously available to Delta SkyMiles and Starwood Preferred Guest members. Unfortunately, that program is now dead, and although Marriott partners with United Airlines, reciprocal benefits are not an option. Now, we get to witness a new relationship blossom into rewards.

World of Hyatt Discoverist, Explorist and Globalist members will earn 1X World of Hyatt bonus point per $1 spent on qualifying American flights.

All other points/miles earned in each program will be awarded as per usual program terms. For example, an AAdvantage Gold elite member will earn 7X miles per dollar spent on base airfare plus 1X AAdvantage mile per eligible dollar spent on Hyatt nights plus 5X Hyatt points per dollar spent on stays as a Discoverist member (available to all World of Hyatt Credit Card members).

“We value our elites and the time they spend with us in the air. Now we’re able to provide them with an elevated travel experience that touches their full journey and gives them more ways to earn miles,” AAdvantage President Bridget Blaise-Shamai said in a press release. “World of Hyatt is a perfect match for AAdvantage with the level of recognition, care and dedication they provide to their elites.”

When the partnership is in effect, AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members, and Explorist and Globalist World of Hyatt members will have a chance to engage in limited-time status challenges. At this point, it’s unknown how difficult the challenges will be or when exactly the reciprocal benefits will kick in for elite members of the two programs.

In Conclusion

Although both programs still need to hash out all the details of the partnership, it seems to be a rather promising alliance. The Hyatt credit cardholders will earn extra World of Hyatt points with little effort by booking American Airlines-operated flights, and AAdvantage elites will earn more American miles by choosing Hyatt as their preferred lodging chain.

What do you think of the new joint venture between American Airlines and Hyatt and their mutually extended rewards?